Category: Proud to be a Marine

Cooks

I read several letters on this site concerning the bad food some Marines ate a different mess halls. My first thought was why did they not use the condiments (salt & pepper) that was available on the table. Then another reason hit me, maybe they just did not like that particular dish that was on the chow line that day.   I was a cook in the Marine Corps for almost four years. Never have figured out why I was chosen for this MOS but being a Marine I did it to the best of my ability.    I used to have some regrets for being a cook instead of a grunt or any other MOS but I finally came to the realization many years later that that job had to be done by someone.    Not to toot my horn but Myself and Lcpl. Sam Jackson received a Meritorious Mast (Attached) from Lt. Col. Joseph E. Muir (K.I.A. on 9/11/65) for setting up and maintaining a field mess in Chu Lai South Vietnam for Lima Co. on August 12, 1965. It was not until several years later that I learned of Col Muir’s death which makes the  Meritorious Mast much more meaningful to me.   I was also awarded a Letter of Appreciation (attached) for a job well done on March 27, 1967 at TBS at Quantico, VA   I am now done venting concerning the Marine Corps Cooks!   Remember all Marines no matter what the MOS are First & Foremost A Rifleman.    Carl (Paw) Anderson  Corporal U.S.M.C.

Semper Fi

I would like to share an experience I had during my career as a Firefighter/Paramedic. I was on duty and our Medic unit was dispatched to a Nursing Home concerning an unresponsive patient. As I entered the room I noticed that it was filled with Marine Corps items, pictures, etc. After checking out the patient who was in the advance stages of Alzheimer's, vital signs were as good as could be expected but he did not respond to any verbal commands or pain stimmulation. I asked the nurses if this was normal for him and they stated it was and that he had been in this state for years. I then ask them what was with all the Marine Corp posters and pictures and they said that the patient had been in the Marine Corps. I then lean down and said Semper Fi into his ear. The patient broke out a grin that surprised the nurses. They said they had never seen him react to anything or anybody, even his family before and they wanted to know what I had said to him. I told them it was the Marine Corps Motto and only a Marine would understand. It is a strong bond that we have as Marines. read more

The Marine Brotherhood

Several months back I attended a gun show. As I made my way through the crowd to the front entry, I noticed a couple of young men in wheelchairs. I recognized them as Marines (not sure how that happens … as Marines, we just know what our own look like). Both were missing limbs … when I reached them, I put my hands on their shoulders, giving them the typical Marine greeting of "Semperfi". In unison, both responded with a spirited OOHRah! Immediately, another man stepped up, put his hands on these wounded Marines and greeted them in the same way. As I stood there, this scene was repeated over and over. I looked over the crowd and could see other Marines making a direct line to these men. I realized I was seeing the Marine Brotherhood in action. Every other branch of service talks about it …. as Marines, we live it! read more

Gunny Sgt. Barbosa

Sgt. Grit a few years back I sent you a comment about my Gunny Sgt. Barbosa and it was about the time we were out in the field (1958) and climbing a monster of a hill at Camp Pendleton. Well I was in great shape for I had just finished playing football for the First Marines and was feeling my oats when I grabbed the tripod and 30 light and humped up the hill passing everyone in my path. When we got to the top of the hill Gunny Barbosa came over to me and said "Don't be a Smart A-z Conners" I remembered that and will never forget his comment as long as I live and never did it again… read more

Why we love our military.

At the Golden Triangle Veterans Memorial park on Hwy 87 in Port Arthur , Texas on Monday May 28th (Memorial Day) 2012. My wife and I arrived at 2pm as the band began to play and the service started at 2:30pm. When we got there the pavilion was full but we were able to squeeze into the back left hand corner under the roof in the shade. While the program was going on I was listening to a friend of mine, retired Colonel Chris Lamson, with 25 years active duty in the Marines and I looked over my right shoulder and noticed the old veteran setting on the wall. His wife had been holding the umbrella over his head and laid it down to stand up where she could see the speaker and hear what was being said. When I turned to look the second time I noticed the Marine had stepped forward, picked up the umbrella and was holding it over the older gentleman. You can tell by the shadow that only the left shoulder and arm of the Marine was in the shade. Notice his right hand behind his back standing at parade rest in full dress blues. Not once did he flinch. The temperature forecast that day was predicted to be 90 degrees or more in the shade. In Southeast Texas the humidity can also match the temperature. If you have ever worn a set of dress blues you would understand how hot they are. He stood there until the service was over. When it was over I walked up to him and said " Thank you for such a kind act for the old veteran" He just looked at me and nodded as if to say, "it was my duty". As I walked away with a tear in my eye and my heart swelling it made me proud to know that the old traditions are still carried on. It was 57 years ago this summer that I joined the Marines.   Cpl. Bill Feidler Port Arthur, TX

Recruiting Marines with George Tobias

Sgt. Grit;

While on Recruiting Duty in Detroit in 1953, I was sent, along with two of my fellow Recruiters, to Photograph George Tobias, who was starring in “Stalag 17” Stage Production. George Tobias and his Producer were really great and let us do our thing on their stage. A Detroit Newspaper headlined; “Marine Rescue George Tobias from German Prison Camp” came out the next day.
The first picture shows George Tobias in between to World War II and Korea Veterans, the one on George right I remember was MSgt. ‘Frenchy’ Cariveau, the other one regretfully I don’t remember his name.
The second picture I stepped into the frame and Frenchy took the picture, my right arm hangs loosely covering my pocket which was stuffed with flash bulbs. read more

Recruiters Appreciation

As promised here is the write up of our Recruiters Appreciation Day in Bismarck.  Thanks for helping us make it a success. I wasn't able to tag the photos but here they are in order.  SSgt Steve Woodke (unassigned) and Sgt Adam Miller RSS Bismarck;  2nd photo various Marines and a token Army guy interspersed.  3rd photo-  RSS Bismarck Sgt Gilbertson, Sgt Miller and RSS Minot Sgt Goggans modeling their Sgt Grit rank shirts.  Sgt Miller had to leave for an appointment.  4th photo Sgt Randy Lehmann (unaasigned) Grill Instructor and finally RSS Bismarck SNCOIC  SSgt John Dupnik with his SSgt rank shirt. read more